Birmingham Bin Strikes and the Rise of the Rodent Problem: Why Prevention is Key

In March 2025, hundreds of refuse workers from Unite began all out strike action in protest over proposed job cuts, pay disputes, and changes to working conditions. The industrial action stems from a long-running dispute between union members and Birmingham City Council, and with no firm resolution in place, it has resulted in mounting waste on the streets. More than 17,000 tonnes of uncollected rubbish have accumulated across Birmingham.

This is more than just an eyesore. Mountains of rotting waste have turned entire neighbourhoods into a buffet for rodents. In areas like Sparkhill, Small Heath, and Acocks Green, residents are spotting rats more frequently—and they’re getting bolder. Pest control companies have reported a 60% increase in callouts as rats emerge in larger numbers and move closer to homes and businesses in search of food and shelter.

Overflowing Bins, Overflowing Rodents

When bins aren't emptied, the consequences are immediate. Bags split open, food waste spills out, and rats—always opportunistic—move in quickly. With easy access to food, water, and shelter, rodent populations multiply rapidly. And once they’ve found a reliable food source, they don’t just disappear when the bins are eventually cleared.

But it doesn’t stop there. As rubbish piles grow and rodent populations soar, rats begin searching for more consistent and protected sources of warmth, shelter and food. That’s when they start making their way into our homes and businesses. Properties with broken drain covers, faulty pipework, or unsealed entry points become prime targets. Drains, in particular, offer a dark, damp, and direct route indoors.

As the strike continues and bins remain uncollected, it’s no longer just about what’s outside—it becomes a serious concern for what’s getting inside.

What’s happening in Birmingham isn’t unique. Across the UK, cities like Cardiff and Glasgow have seen similar rodent surges when bin collection services are disrupted. Whether due to strikes, austerity-driven cutbacks, or policy changes aimed at reducing collection frequency, the result is the same: more rubbish on the streets, and more rats in our neighbourhoods.

Why Is Birmingham So Affected?

Birmingham’s dense housing and high population make it especially vulnerable. When waste isn’t collected for weeks—or months—residents don’t always have the means to take it elsewhere. Rats thrive in these conditions, and once they’ve had a taste, they don’t leave easily.

How Are Rats Getting In?

While rats may be scurrying along pavements, the real danger lies below—our drains and sewers. Rats often enter homes through drainage systems, especially if there are broken pipes, unsealed manholes, or old, unused drains. They’re agile, clever, and only need a small opening to gain access.

Once inside, they pose real risks. Rats can carry diseases like leptospirosis and salmonella, contaminate food, and damage property. Worst of all, they’re incredibly difficult to remove once settled in.

The Solution: RatGate

This is where RatGate comes in. RatGate is a UK-made, stainless-steel one-way valve that fits inside your drains. It allows water and waste to flow out—but stops rats coming in. It’s simple, effective, and most importantly, preventative.

What makes RatGate stand out?

• No poison – Unlike traditional pest control methods that rely on toxic substances, RatGate uses zero chemicals. This means there’s no risk of harming pets, children, or local wildlife. It’s a safer choice for families, homes, and the environment.

  
  

• No traps – RatGate provides a completely humane solution. By preventing access in the first place, there's no need to trap or kill rodents. This makes it a stress-free option for property owners and a cruelty-free approach to rodent control.

• No bad smells – One of the biggest downsides of using poison is the risk of rats dying in inaccessible areas—walls, floors, or drains—causing unpleasant odours. With RatGate, there are no dead rats to deal with, just a cleaner, odour-free environment.

• Easy maintenance – Thanks to our patented built-in liftable flap mechanism, drainage engineers can rod or inspect drains without removing the device. This is a first and only in the market—designed to make maintenance quicker, easier, and more cost-effective for professionals.

• Built to last – Each RatGate is manufactured in the UK using skilled British labour and made from high-grade stainless steel. It’s built for durability in even the harshest drainage environments, making it a true fit-and-forget solution for long-term peace of mind.

• Preventative and reactive – RatGate isn’t just for stopping current infestations. It acts as a preventative barrier that keeps rodents from getting in in the first place, while also serving as an effective solution once a problem has already started. Once installed, it breaks the cycle of re-entry and ensures long-term rodent control.

A Call to Action for Pest Controllers and Drainage Engineers

If you're in pest control or drainage, now is the time to act—especially in cities like Birmingham where the bin strikes have created the perfect storm for a rodent surge. The longer this situation continues, the more urgent it becomes to get on top of the rising rodent issue with proactive, proven measures.

While Birmingham is currently at the top of everyone's mind due to the scale of the ongoing bin strikes, it's important not to overlook similar challenges facing other cities and towns across the UK. Places like Cardiff and Glasgow have also seen significant spikes in rodent activity due to waste collection issues. These examples underline a nationwide trend: prevention is not just effective—it's essential. Being proactive and using a proven, environmentally friendly solution like RatGate can help communities stay ahead of the problem before it takes hold.

RatGate is the solution that works—it's effective, humane, and better for the environment. Whether you're looking to safeguard homes, protect businesses, or offer your clients long-term peace of mind, RatGate should be a key part of your strategy.

We recommend:

• Offering RatGate installation as part of your services.

• Checking drains and manholes for signs of rodent entry.

• Educating your customers on the benefits of prevention using non-toxic, long-term solutions.

In Summary

The Birmingham bin strike has shone a spotlight on a much bigger issue. When waste services are interrupted, rats flourish. And when they do, homes, businesses, and health are all at risk.

But there is a solution. RatGate offers a humane, effective way to keep rats out—without the smell, the stress, or the poison.

Let’s turn the tide on this crisis—starting in Birmingham, and spreading awareness across the UK.